Experience Jackson

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Greg Stevenson, a community leader and key leadership committee member of the Drive Jackson Vision Plan for Jackson County.  Drive Jackson is a bold, 20-year, community-driven vision plan, shaped by a rigorous county-wide feedback process from over 1,300 individuals providing nearly 6,000 responses from every demograph...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes back Harrison Marcott, Director of Curatorial Affairs at Ella Sharp Museum. From art to history, Ella Sharp Museum and its grounds offer a diverse collection of indoor and outdoor displays, historic connections and accessible spaces for events and community. Listen to learn about the unique combination of what Jackson’...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes back Beth Kuiper, Executive Director of the Jackson Downtown Development Authority to give an overview of upcoming events in downtown Jackson for 2026, including a charcuterie board walk, the return of the Cruise-Ins and Concert Series and a new Tuesday Tens (a $10 monthly downtown restaurant lunch program). Not to men...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Sandy Yaeger, owner and operator of Zero Bar and Lounge. Established in 2022, Zero Bar offers non-alcohol beverage consultation for events (not to be confused with mocktails, typically high in sugar), including alcohol-free rum, gin, tequila, and other distilled beverage products. Their tasting room and bottle shop is ...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Jeff Stutzman, owner of Virtue Drums. Virtue started in 2017 as an independent drum builder and in 2020 launched a professional drum shop featuring our handcrafted drums & repair services alongside a curated collection of drums, cymbals, hardware, cases, drumheads, drumsticks, snare wire, pro audio gear, accessorie...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Andrew Volk, one of the owners of OGMA Brewing Company, self-proclaimed as delightfully different and dangerously delicious. Ogma’s killer food, rad vibes and thoughtfully crafted beers take going out to a new level. Inspired by a combined love of heavy metal music and old school skateboard culture, you’ll be welcomed ...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Kristy Elrod with Village Peddler Gift Shoppe. This longtime boutique is one of the anchor shops in the village of Brookyln. The surrounding area of Brooklyn is known as the Irish Hills, and popular for its proximity to multiple Jackson County lakes. Village Peddler Gift Shoppe not only features many lake items, but gi...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Rob Gillow, longtime employee and expert at Schupbach’s Sporting Goods in downtown Jackson. From stocking a variety of archery and bows, firearms and hunting gear, they are the “The Hunter’s Hideout” Since 1946. Whether it’s an annual stop during hunting season, or a group or safety training session, you’ll find the to...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Vic Shiro, co-owner of Vito's Espresso in Spring Arbor. Along with his wife Linda, Vic shares his love of third wave coffee, sandwiches, wraps, soups and bakery items in a creative, welcoming space. His coffee shop offers a welcoming space for breakfast, lunch, and coffee, focusing on quality beans and a less intim...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Shawna Tello (CEO) and Theresa Horne (COO) from the YMCA of Jackson. Learn about how the Jackson location participates in the YMCA AWAY (Always Welcome at Ys) program that allows members to visit and use facilities at other participating YMCAs across the country and beyond. Any visiting YMCA member can enjoy the newly ...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Beth Kuiper, Executive Director of the Jackson Downtown Development Authority, to talk about some of the 2025 holiday events taking place in downtown Jackson. From the arrival of Santa during the Downtown Jackson Christmas Parade, to a Christmas in the City Event, 12 Bars of Christmas Bar Crawl, Shop Small Saturday, re...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Roberta Dalenberg, co-owner of the new Oak + Iron restaurant in downtown Jackson. From the amazing team, ranging from dedicated servers to a 3-star Michelin chef who’s cooked around the world, this locally-focused restaurant offers comfortable locally sourced food and atmosphere that’s for anyone. Oak + Iron not only h...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Dionne Tripp, local artist, to talk about her craft on everything from canvas to metal and clothing, and her connection to Jackson Fashion Week, happening at various locations in Jackson between October 19 and 25, 2025.  

Learn more about Jackson Fashion Week at https://www.art634.com/jacksonfashionweek.  

See Dione'...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Ella Hephzibah, who owns the Luna Lux lounge with her husband and chef, Jeremiah. The couple takes their love of food (Big Guy Catering) and hospitality, and blends them to create a dreamy atmosphere for mixology, music and romantic memories in their unforgettable space. Learn about the atmosphere they’re creating and ...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes back a favorite return guest, Tom Daldin, host of PBS’ Under the Radar Michigan travel television show. We love experiencing Jackson through Tom’s eyes. During his latest visit, he stopped along the Falling Waters Trail, the Michigan Theatre of Jackson, Gilbert Chocolates, two of Jackson’s iconic coney dog stops – both...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Shaggio "Shag" Levesque & McKenna Knipe with Skydive Tecumseh. Both expert jumpers and experienced creators share the thrill and excitement that taking a leap. Skydive Tecumseh is Michigan’s #1 longest running drop zone. Established in 1964, they’ve been helping Michiganders experience the joy of human flight for o...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes both Alexey Vermeulen and Bill Marshall to talk about gravel cycling and the NEW Irish Hills Gravel, coming to Jackson County (the Irish Hills of Brooklyn) on October 18, 2025. The race will start and end at Michigan International Speedway, and touch corners of Brooklyn, Lenawee and Washtenaw Counties with rider’s choi...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Aidan Sova, one of two lead facilitators for the upcoming AIQ (Artificial Intelligence Quotient) Workshop coming to Jackson on September 18, 2025. Sova (Google) will be joined by Amy Hinchey (Microsoft), along with a selection of expert panelists and a guest appearance by Michigan’s Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist...

In this episode, host Rachel Buchanan, Experience Jackson Vice President of Marketing and Communications, welcomes Dr. Tyree Guyton, the creator of Detroit’s famous Heidelberg Project, bringing the 40 Years in the Hood: Detroit’s Heidelberg Project Exhibit to Jackson’s Ella Sharp Museum - as well as Curator, Coach, and Special Advisor Jenenne Whitfield. More than any other Urban Environment artist, Guyton has taken on the adage "on...